Utah Jazz: options abound as draft approaches

There’s nothing better than having options. Kevin O’Connor of the Utah Jazz wouldn’t agree more. But with that territory comes crossroads.

As the NBA draft looms, college and international players alike look forward to finding out where they’ll be living the next couple years, and how soon they are picked will have a lot to do with how thick their paycheck is.

Agents and PR guys are working their strategies to ensure their players draft stock stays high.

NBA GM’s have done their homework, are looking at notes and checking them twice. Something as important as the future of their franchise hangs in the balance. Winning and money are two things that will ultimately decide who picks who, where, and why.

Some dream of NBA championships, others of making a run in the playoffs, or making the playoffs period. There’s one thing that’s certain: each NBA draft brings a feeling of hope and renewed enthusiasm, particularly for the lottery teams.

The lottery consists of the 14 teams that didn’t make the playoffs, who all had the chance at the No. 1 pick (Cleveland won the draft lottery last month). The worst team (Minnesota) had the best chances, second worst team has the second best chances, and so on. Draft positioning is crucial in getting the top caliber players GM’s need to turn the franchise around.

In this year’s lottery the Jazz have two picks in the lottery, the No. 3 and No. 12 picks, respectively.

The Jazz have holes to fill. Decisions, decisions.

The Jazz have come out and stated that no player on the entire roster is excluded from potential trades. This was in response to many Jazz rumors buzzing that Paul Millsap and Devin Harris are open for trade discussions before or on draft day.

The Jazz could make a trade, trading their picks away for a proven player. Or they could trade one pick and a player to move up the draft board if they have their sights on someone. Having two lottery picks gives you a lot of options.

They could also just take the two picks and keep them and start the rebuilding process. This would likely keep the Jazz from having a competitive edge until players develop and learn the NBA game.

Or they can keep both picks, and trade current players to get a heralded shooting guard the Jazz have never had.

One thing is for certain: I’m sure glad I’m not Kevin O’Connor at this time of year. Fans want “the Jimmer.” The Jazz brass want players that’ll help the team win. Let the debate be settled once and for all. Whatever the Jazz decide to do, this time of year can be the best or worst “Christmas in June” Jazz fans have ever had.